Description
This Apple Arugula Salad is a bright, crisp, and satisfying dish featuring fresh arugula, sweet and crunchy Honeycrisp apples, smoky turkey bacon, toasted walnuts, and a zesty apple cider vinegar dressing. It is quick to prepare, nutritious, and perfect as a light lunch or a vibrant side dish that complements many meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh arugula leaves
- 1 Honeycrisp apple, cored and thinly sliced
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup toasted walnuts, chopped
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Wash and thoroughly dry the arugula using a salad spinner or clean towel. Core and thinly slice the apple into bite-sized pieces. Finely slice the red onion. Chop the walnuts and crisp the smoked turkey bacon in a pan over medium heat until golden and crunchy.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar (natural), olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Adjust the acidity and seasoning to balance tanginess and smoothness, creating a lively dressing.
- Toss the salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the arugula, sliced apples, red onion, toasted walnuts, and turkey bacon. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Serve immediately: For the freshest taste and best texture, serve the salad right after tossing so the apple and arugula stay crisp and the smoky bacon remains crunchy.
Notes
- Use fresh arugula leaves for optimal flavor and texture.
- Dry greens thoroughly to prevent sogginess and diluted dressing.
- Taste and adjust apple cider vinegar and olive oil ratio to your preference.
- Lightly toast walnuts to enhance their flavor and crunch.
- Add smoked turkey bacon last or on top to preserve its crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Pan cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: apple arugula salad, fresh salad, smoky turkey bacon salad, quick salad recipe, healthy salad, nutty salad